| Summary: | Spermatogonial stem cells are unique cells that line the basal lamina of seminiferous tubules in the testis and have the potential of self-renewal and differentiation.
These cells pass on genetic information to the next generation via the process of spermatogenesis and have an important role in the maintenance of male fertility. Recent reports have shown the pluripotency characteristics of spermatogonial stem cells at the cellular and molecular level. These cells can convert into Embryonic stem like cells that exhibit similar phenotype with embryonic stem cells and the capacity to differentiate into all three germ layers: Ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm.
These properties make spermatogonial stem cells an appropriate source for use in regenerative medicine.
Spermatogonial stem cells considered as an alternative and novel cell source that limits the technical and ethical problems accompanied with the other pluripotent stem cells. Patient-specific cell lineages without limitations of immunological rejection and specific auto transplantation are the beneficial’s associated with these cell population.
Also, cell therapy based on spermatogonial stem cells engraftment, promises for preservation of fertility and induces the reproductive potential in infertile patients.
Here, we discuss the applications of spermatogonial stem cells in regenerative medicine with focus on all important aspects, including: cell isolation, propagation, differentiation and especially cell transplantation.
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